Ridley Scott and Jean-Claude Van Damme are two of the biggest names in movie history. The former is a director who is still going strong at the age of 86, with the recently released Gladiator II and classics such as Alien, Blade Runner, Thelma & Louise, and Black Hawk Down. The latter is a 90s action movie icon. He may not have quite the success of Arnold Schwarzenegger and Sylvester Stallone, but with hits such as Universal Soldier and Timecop, he became a staple of cable TV.

Ridley Scott and Jean-Claude Van Damme are both film stars, but it doesn’t feel like they’d mash well together. However, if you’re one of the few who saw the short-lived Prime Series Jean-Claude Van Johnson, you’d know they were meant for each other.

How Did Ridley Scott and Jean-Claude Van Damme End up Working Together?

In 2016, Ridley Scott, like now, was still as influential as ever, having just made the successful The Martian with Matt Damon. Sadly, Jean-Claude Van Damme’s time as an action star had passed as he aged and the genre changed. That didn’t mean he disappeared. He was in The Expendables 2, did voice work for the Kung Fu Panda films, and stunned critics with 2008’s JCVD, a black comedy satire where he played a version of himself. It was an exciting look at what Van Damme was capable of as an actor, and it wouldn’t be the last time he played himself.

Jean-Claude Van Johnson was created by David Callaham, a co-writer for big 2000s-era movies like The Expendables, Wonder Woman: 1984, and Spider-Man: Across the Universe. In 2015, he pitched an idea to Jean-Claude Van Damme about a TV show where the actor would play a version of himself as a spy. It was part-action series, part-comedy, and all Van Damme. With the action star’s career in decline, he said yes. Better yet, Ridley Scott got involved as well as an executive producer. Van Damme told CBR:

“I was, for 10 years, where? In the gutter — no budget, all that shit, and respect to those because sometimes they come out as a miracle, but today no. Suddenly [executive producer] Ridley Scott and these two guys here equal quality script, good crew, 15 day shoots, lots of money, and now everything’s perfect.”

‘Jean-Claude Van Johnson’ Was a Hilarious and Exciting Series

The synopsis for Jean-Claude Van Johnson is that all this time, Jean-Claude Van Damme has not just been an actor but a secret agent. That movie career of his we know was nothing but a cover for his secret missions. Now, having been out of action for years, he decides to make a comeback, not just in the movies but as a spy. That’s a pretty unique idea and a hilarious one, as the series was not only filled with action but lots of laughs that winked at Van Damme’s career. Jean-Claude Van Johnson also starred Kat Foster as Van Damme’s former colleague, and Phylicia Rashad, best known as Clair Huxtable on The Cosby Show, as a woman who is both his talent agent and the handler for his spy missions.

In an interview with Collider, Van Damme said he was drawn to Dave Callaham’s idea because, “What they did was great, creating so many different characters for me to play and even adding time travel, so that I can confuse the audience even more. And there’s a great cast and great music.”

Jean-Claude Van Johnson was for sure funny as it poked at Van Damme’s movie roles, but it was smart enough to hold back and not be a Naked Gun-level type spoof. Critics enjoyed it, earning a 70% on Rotten Tomatoes, but viewers loved it even more, with Jean-Claude Van Johnson having a 96% average Popcornmeter on Rotten Tomatoes, and a very impressive 7.5 on IMDb from more than 10,000 ratings.

‘Jean-Claude Van Johnson’ Only Lasted One Season

Image via Prime Video

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Jean-Claude Van Johnson was a unique and fresh satire unlike anything else we were watching in 2016, but it only aired for one six-episode season. The reason for its cancellation had nothing to do with the cast, creators, or the quality of the show, but a set of unfortunate circumstances that were out of their control. Just one month after its premiere on Prime Video, Variety reported that the series, along with two other Prime Video shows, I Love Dick and One Mississippi, were being shut down.

Jean-Claude Van Johnson was greenlit by then Amazon Studios President Roy Price, who wanted to create more original programming, but he ended up getting fired after a sexual harassment investigation. With Price out, Amazon founder Jeff Bezos shifted the strategy for his company, as he decided to move away from smaller series to ones that were bigger and broader and could be hits across the world, not just in the U.S. It’s a shame that Bezos thought Jean-Claude Van Johnson was too small for success because it’s one of the best-written shows of the last decade. Thankfully, you can still check it out on Prime Video to see what you may have missed out on the first time around.

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Release Date

2016 – 2017-00-00

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Jean-Claude Van Johnson is available to watch on Prime Video in the U.S.

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Newly released audio shows Nolan Xavier Wells‘ friends calling for help after their boat reportedly malfunctioned while on Horn Island. Additionally, GPS data on the boat’s movements on July 4 has been shared.

RELATED: Nolan Xavier Wells’ Parents Say They “Don’t Know” Tracestin Shepherd, As Updated Funeral Info Shared & Jackson County DA Speaks Out

Newly Released Audio Shows Nolan Wells’ Friends Calling For Help After Boat Reportedly Malfunctioned

In a report published by NBC News on Wednesday, July 15, the outlet shared audio of Nolan Wells’ friends calling for help. This, reportedly, because “their boat was taking on water” while stationed at Horn Island on July 4. Per the outlet, the malfunction was experienced around 4 p.m. In the audio, a dispatcher asked the caller whether everyone on the vessel was “in good health.”

“Yeah, yeah, everybody is on board,” the caller reportedly explained, noting the headcount as 7 people.

Per the New York Post, the vessel’s operator then told the dispatcher, “Hey, we’re at the west tip of Horn. And our bilge pump stopped working. We’re going. We’re sinking. Can you all please come? I want to get this boat unsank and towed back.”

🚨Reports indicate that audio obtained via records requests has captured members of the group Nolan was with requesting towing assistance when their boat began taking on water.

NBC News has obtained audio as a part of a records request that details some of Nolan Wells’ friends… pic.twitter.com/zmTbrZi9kd

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— Amy Leigh (@IAmyLeigh) July 16, 2026

Social Media Reacts To The Audio Of Nolan Xavier Wells’ Friends

Social media users reacted to the newly released audio of Nolan Wells’ friends reporting the boat malfunction in NBC News’s comment section.

Boat’s GPS Data Is Shared Alongside Newly Released Audio Of Friends

According to the New York Post, the boat was “towed for around three miles before picking up normal speed less than an hour later.” Per WLOX, GPS data from the Mississippi Department of Marine Resources has been obtained, recapping the boat’s movements.

It reportedly left a private dock on July 4 at 9:56 a.m. Then, it arrived on Horn Island at 11:14 a.m. The boat then left the island at 4:31 p.m. It traveled into Fort Bayou at 5:52 p.m., and it ultimately returned to the dock at 6:06 p.m.

Furthermore, the outlet notes that at around 7:19 p.m., it was taken to the Fort Bayou boat launch, removed from the water, and transported to the owner’s home. Per the outlet, the boat’s owner, his mother, and another unidentified person have been cooperating with authorities.

At this time, it remains unclear whether the owner and their mother are Warren Hudson and Chancery Judge Ashlee Cole. As The Shade Room previously reported, earlier this month, Cole took to Facebook to allege that her son last saw Nolan Wells around 3 p.m. on July 4.

“Warren was interviewed by the Jackson County Sheriff’s Department and cooperated fully. He saw Nolan last at around 3 pm on July 4th. They left around 4:30 pm when the boat was taking on water and they had an issue with the bilge pump. Nolan made a decision to stay on the island and return inland later with another group of friends,” she wrote online at the time.

Subsequently, her statement sparked pushback as social media users and even Wells’ parents refuted the claim that he would willingly stay on the island.

RELATED: UPDATE: Nolan Xavier Wells’ Mother Shares Emotional Tribute As Funeral Plans Are Revealed (PHOTO + VIDEO)

A viral TikTok video has Hilary Duff fans talking after a concertgoer unexpectedly made her way onto the stage during the singer’s beloved “With Love” dance break. The clip, which has been circulating across social media, appears to show a group of fans who had already been selected to join Duff on stage for the performance before another woman suddenly hopped over a barricade and joined them.

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In the video, the woman can be seen running onto the stage while Duff prepares to perform the choreography from her 2007 hit “With Love.” At one point, the fan appears to show Duff a black T-shirt, though it remains unclear what was printed on it or what message she was attempting to share.

As Duff began counting down for the dance routine, the woman drew even more attention to herself by turning toward the audience and dancing before attempting to follow along with the choreography. However, viewers quickly noticed that she appeared unfamiliar with the routine, moving out of sync with the rest of the group and facing the wrong direction during parts of the performance.

The TikTok user who shared the clip summed up the confusion in the video’s caption, writing, “Fan crashes Hilary Duff’s ‘With Love’ dance break. What was even happening?”

Fans Call Out The Unexpected Interaction

The moment sparked a wave of reactions in the comments section, with many viewers expressing concern over how easily the fan appeared to access the stage. “Shame on security for letting this happen,” one person wrote.

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Others admitted they initially didn’t realize the woman wasn’t supposed to be there. “Lol, I didn’t realize she jumped on stage. Just thought she was so odd and made it uncomfortable,” another commenter shared. “Did both girls jump on stage?”

Several fans also felt the interaction became awkward when the woman repeatedly approached Duff throughout the dance break. “Ugh why was she so rough with her!! That whole interaction was odd,” one viewer wrote. “Hilary is such a sweetie pie.”

One Fan Says The Woman Interrupted A Special Moment

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Among those commenting was a fan who appeared to have been one of the guests officially invited on stage for the performance.

“Yeah…when Hilary hugged me after the dance and was talking to me, the girl just interrupted and said ‘I want a hug’…it was pretty rude and disrespectful,” the commenter wrote. “However, I didn’t let it ruin this moment for me.”

Despite the unexpected interruption, Duff appeared to remain calm throughout the interaction. The woman was eventually seen hugging the singer before being escorted off stage by security.

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This Isn’t The First Time A ‘With Love’ Dance Break Has Sparked Headlines

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The latest onstage interruption isn’t the first time a fan interaction during Duff’s now-famous “With Love” dance break has gone viral.

Earlier this month, a superfan dressed as Duff’s character from the 1998 film “Casper Meets Wendy” joined the singer onstage during a concert in Dallas and unexpectedly lifted her off the ground. The fan then spun Duff in a circle before setting her back down as the crowd erupted in cheers. The moment appeared to catch Duff off guard, prompting members of her security team to briefly step forward before the singer laughed it off and continued the performance.

After footage of the interaction spread online, fans debated whether the move crossed a line. While some praised the lighthearted exchange, others questioned whether audience members should be making physical contact with performers.

The fan, identified as Karson, later addressed the incident in a TikTok video, apologizing for potentially causing concern. “I’m just really sorry that I stressed her security out,” he said. “I didn’t mean to pose a safety risk. I’m sorry. I got really, really excited. To tell you the truth, a lot of that moment, I blacked out. It was just an amazing experience that I’ve been waiting my whole life to have.”

Duff ultimately put any controversy to rest when she responded directly to the fan’s apology, writing, “I loved my big swing around hug! Don’t think twice!”

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Hilary Duff Has Learned To Embrace The Viral Legacy Of ‘With Love’

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Ironically, the song at the center of these viral fan moments is one that Duff once had a complicated relationship with herself. In a recent interview with Glamour, the actress and singer admitted that she wasn’t always thrilled by the internet’s obsession with her now-iconic 2007 performance of “With Love” on “The Tonight Show.”

“That has not been a fun thing to follow me around,” Duff said. “I didn’t want to be there, doing this dance that I probably didn’t want to be doing, and didn’t feel good at the time.”

The 38-year-old explained that while fans viewed the performance as a beloved pop culture moment, she initially associated it with a period when she felt uncomfortable and disconnected from what she was being asked to do professionally. “I know people don’t look at it like that, and it’s this funny thing, but that’s how I used to look at it,” she added.

Over time, however, Duff has come to appreciate the affection fans still have for the song and its memorable choreography. In 2021, she even joined the trend herself, posting a TikTok duet with a fan who was recreating the dance. Duff jumped into the routine and captioned the video, “HERE YOU GOOOOOOOO!”

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It can be annoying when remakes, reboots, and reinterpretations dominate the entertainment landscape, but Cape Fear is a story that is worth passing down to each generation. Based on the classic novel The Executioners by John D. MacDonald, Cape Fear has been successfully adapted several times; the 1962 film locked Gregory Peck and Robert Mitchum in a psychological battle, and the 1991 remake earned Academy Award nominations for Robert De Niro and Juliette Lewis. While it would seem that there’s already been enough said about this tale of torment and terror, the Apple TV reboot of Cape Fear justifies its existence by expanding the story into a 10-episode season.

Apple TV’s ‘Cape Fear’ Offers a Twist on the Story

Cape Fear sees Javier Bardem taking over the role of Max Cady, a convicted killer who is released from prison on a technicality and is welcomed back on the presumption that he was innocent of the murder of his wife. The series also offers a bold new take on Cady’s nemesis, as Amy Adams plays Anna Bowden, a gender-swapped version of the criminal defense attorney who had represented the accused killer during his trial. Anna cut a plea deal for Cady, who had initially proclaimed himself innocent, but she also later married Tom Bowden (Patrick Wilson), the prosecuting attorney in the same case. Although Anna is now a senior attorney at the Savannah Justice League Project, an organization that fights to free wrongfully convicted individuals, Cady’s resurgence threatens to spill the secrets of her past.

Cape Fear appropriately reconfigures the story in an age in which true-crime obsession has become mainstream, depicting the battle between Max and the Bowdens as a media war. While it is more than obvious that Max desires revenge on those who were responsible for stealing 18 years of his life, he also wants to be valorized in the eyes of the public. Conversely, Anna is motivated by the desire to protect the truth while understanding that Max’s return serves as both a threat and the ultimate win for the Savannah Justice Project.

Cape Fear is smart about changing which characters hold the cards, as the story’s ethical ambiguity makes it more interesting and ensures that the added running time doesn’t feel like filler. Anna’s past explains why she feels the need to project a persona of power, especially given her status as one of the state’s most well-known female attorneys. The mystery surrounding Max’s guilt continues to the end of the series, but it’s evident that he has gone to extreme lengths to both antagonize the Bowdens and turn their children against them. However, there is also evidence that points to the trauma that Max has endured for his entire life, both when he was in prison and at the hands of his abusive father (Ron Perlman).

‘Cape Fear’ Enhances the Original Thriller Without Feeling Like a Retread

The appeal of every version of Cape Fear is that it uses acclaimed, often Oscar-nominated actors in a story that comes with an inherent degree of camp. Apple TV’s version embraces digital paranoia by examining how contemporary justice is thwarted by the Internet, with deepfakes, social bot farming, drones, and malicious social media campaigns all being part of the battle to defame both sides. However, Cape Fear isn’t so focused on this element that it loses its heart as a thriller; it’s made abundantly clear, thanks to the more graphic content, that the stakes are life-or-death.

Cape Fear is the right type of reboot because it homages components of the previous versions without feeling like a retread. While no adaptation would feel complete without the iconic score or certain scenes, such as the riverboat shakedown, 2026’s miniseries finds entertaining ways to recontextualize the story of a personal feud into a psychological conflict between two families. Apple TV has consistently produced groundbreaking dramas, cutting-edge comedies, and ambitious works of science fiction, but the streaming success of Cape Fear proves that it can also pull off a gloriously trashy, wildly entertaining feat of summer entertainment.

The world of horror was shaken at the shocking success of the newfound classic, Obsession. The low-budget indie film from Curry Barker follows Bear Bailey (Michael Johnston), a lonely music store employee who uses a novelty “One Wish Willow” to make his unrequited crush, Nikki Freeman (Inde Navarrette), love him. The wish works, but it turns Nikki into a violent, murderous entity. Obsession became pop culture’s latest obsession.

If you loved the film and enjoyed similar movies, it may be time to find some television shows to fill the void. You’re bound to be obsessed with these TV series. From shocking stories of obsessed stalkers to action thrillers with protagonists who are obsessed with the chase, these shows are addictive binge-watches. We’ll even toss in a show that features one of the film’s stars! If you become obsessed, don’t blame us!

‘Baby Reindeer’ (2024)

Image via Netflix 

Sometimes the best works of art are derived from personal experience. Learning that the story of Baby Reindeer is inspired by real events makes it an even more unsettling and horrific premise. And yet, that’s why Richard Gadd‘s series made such shockwaves. Based on the play of the same name, Baby Reindeer tells the story of struggling comedian Donny Dunn (Gadd), whose harmless act of offering a cup of tea to a vulnerable woman, Martha Scott (Jessica Gunning), sparks a suffocating obsession that shatters both their lives. An autobiographical drama, Baby Reindeer dives deep into a harrowing past in which Donny experiences manipulation and sexual abuse at the hands of an older industry mentor. What begins as a simple tale of stalking evolves into a twisted story of trauma, guilt, and the complex cycle of abuse. Baby Reindeer is more than just a villain-and-victim dynamic depicting deeply flawed human beings whose toxic interactions stem from profound psychological struggles.

Baby Reindeer is a raw, deliberately ambiguous drama that forces viewers to decide how and why the cycle is perpetuated. The seven-episode series shows how Donny’s own loneliness, self-loathing, and poor decisions sometimes fueled Martha’s delusions, ultimately forcing him to confront deeply buried trauma and reclaim his life. There is a breathtaking authenticity in the script. Gadd avoids sensationalizing its themes. Instead, Baby Reindeer becomes an unflinching examination of a serious ordeal through complex character studies. While it may lack the supernatural elements of Obsession, it captures the dangerous allure of the affair and the stalker’s twisted motivations. They both use dark comedy to provide moments of levity, but in Baby Reindeer, the true-story element makes the humor serve to mask discomfort.

‘Fatal Attraction’ (2023)

Image via Paramount+

There are quite a few brilliant roles that Glenn Close played, but Alex Forrest remains one of the most iconic. And yet, in 2023, Paramount+ attempted to capture lightning in a bottle again with a serialized version of the 1987 erotic thriller Fatal Attraction. In the eight-episode thriller, the story has been modernized and explores two timelines. In the past, District Attorney Dan Gallagher (Joshua Jackson) engaged in a passionate but brief affair with a colleague, Alex Forrest (Lizzy Caplan). When Dan tries to end the relationship, Alex’s growing obsession leads to increasingly erratic, threatening, and dangerous behavior, ultimately resulting in her death. 15 years later, Dan is paroled from prison, having been convicted of her murder. He is determined to clear his name and reconnect with his ex-wife, Beth (Amanda Peet), and his now-grown daughter, Ellen (Alyssa Jirrels), while navigating a complex web of doubt and betrayal. A massive expansion on the decade-defining film, Fatal Attraction examines the terrors of casual infidelity and an unstable stalker with further nuance and depth.

If you’re familiar with the film, this series expands the story in an intriguing manner, turning the story into a whodunnit. Instead of painting Alex Forrest as a one-dimensional villain, the series fleshes out her background, struggles, and motives. Then, it sheds new light on Dan and Beth Gallagher, especially when it’s revealed that Dan may have been innocent all along. Like Obsession, the story is rooted in an exploration of consequences. Dan is shown as a flawed man whose selfish choices have a ripple effect on his family. It adds layers, making it feel much more personal. Fatal Attraction and Obsession highlight toxic, boundary-crossing relationships where destructive infatuation ultimately shatters the lives of everyone involved. While Fatal Attraction went from film to series, don’t expect Obsession to do the same. At least for now.

‘Killing Eve’ (2018–2022)

If you’re looking for a bloody good time, look no further than Killing Eve. Based on the Villanelle novel series by Luke Jennings, the hit black dramedy spy thriller follows Eve Polastri (Sandra Oh), a brilliant but restless British intelligence investigator. She is tasked with hunting down a psychopathic and highly skilled assassin named Villanelle (Jodie Comer). As the lethal cat-and-mouse chase spans across Europe, the two women develop a twisted, mutual obsession with one another. Renowned for blending international espionage with dark comedy and intense psycho-sexual drama, Killing Eve thrives on the sizzling chemistry of a wonderfully yet toxic dynamic.

Killing Eve stands tall as a brilliant and important series as it subverts the standard male-dominated action and spy genres. The show focuses on complicated, flawed women navigating environments where they are often underestimated. With each new season written by a different female head writer—Phoebe Waller-Bridge, Emerald Fennell, Suzanne Heathcote, and Laura Neal—Killing Eve had a different energy and vibe. This kept the series refreshing. No matter who is writing, the show is all about Oh and Comer. Oh evolves from a relatable, bored desk agent into a hardened investigator in brilliant fashion. It’s Comer who gives one of the greatest performances of the century as the unpredictable assassin. Though they are very different types of cat-and-mouse games, Killing Eve, like Obsession, is a thrilling joyride that escalates into a dangerously fascinating story. The predatory-obsessed characters are some of the most enticing to watch.

‘Superman & Lois’ (2021–2024)

Image via The CW

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Now, before you start questioning if we’re calling one of these iconic characters obsessive, hold your horses. We’re not. Likely a reason why you’re obsessed with Obsession is because of Inde Navarrette’s mind-blowing performance. Well, Obsession and Superman & Lois share talent! Navarrette plays Sarah Cushing, the wild child daughter of Kyle Cushing (Erik Valdez) and Lana Lang (Emmanuelle Chriqui), who befriends the Kent boys. Now that we’ve established the connection and reason for the entry, let’s discuss Superman & Lois. The CW series from Todd Helbing and Greg Berlanti tells the story of the Man of Steel, Clark Kent (Tyler Hoechlin), and famous journalist Lois Lane (Elizabeth Tulloch) as they navigate the stresses of modern parenthood. Returning to Smallville, they face the ultimate challenge: raising their twin sons while balancing their heroic responsibilities and battling formidable villains. Depicting the balance of high-stakes global crises and everyday family life, Superman & Lois blends thrilling action with grounded interpersonal storytelling that furthers the world-building of the beloved characters.

The Man of Steel is grounded in parental life in this relatable four-season drama. There’s a lot of humanity in Superman & Lois. Watching Clark struggle as a father trying to connect with his teenage sons while bearing the enormous weight of being a hero. Hoechlin and Tulloch may be portraying iconic characters, but they have more freedom than ever to build upon. The traditional relationship dynamic is gone as their love is established. Now, they work as a formidable team. Further, Lois is a powerhouse investigative journalist with complexity and nuance beyond that of the former damsel in distress. Though the themes of the film and the series couldn’t be further apart, Navarrette is a delight. She brought a natural charm and relatability that served as a counterweight to the superhero elements. At least the romance between Sarah and Jordan Kent (Alex Garfin) didn’t end up deadly.

‘Supernatural’ (2006–2020)

Image via The CW

Perhaps you might think that the only similarity between Supernatural and Obsession is that both titles utilize supernatural elements in their storytelling. But with some Internet sleuths uncovering that director Curry Barker may have lifted some ideas straight from the long-running CW series. But first, Supernatural. The beloved 15-season drama centers on brothers Sam and Dean Winchester (Jared Padalecki and Jensen Ackles), who travel the United States in a 1967 Chevy Impala to “hunt” evil paranormal forces. On their journey, they encounter vengeful ghosts, demons, monsters, angels, and various mythological deities that threaten humanity. A family-first series that utilized the monster-of-the-week format, Supernatural became the perfect comfort watch.

Now, to the Supernatural universe in Barker’s work. Some fans have pondered whether the director’s projects are simply Supernatural without the Winchester boys. Barker’s microbudget mammoth hit bears resemblance to the Season 4 episode “Wishful Thinking,” in which Sam and Dean investigate a small town where a wishing well grants wishes with disastrous results, like a suicidal teddy bear and a man winning the lottery but becoming a target, all stemming from a cursed coin. One character, Wes Mondale (Ted Raimi), wishes for his fiancée to love him more than anyone else in the world. And, like Nikki, it got violent. Barker’s upcoming project, Anything But Ghosts, a story that follows two con artists who claim to be ghostbusters. It has an eerily similar plot to the Supernatural Season 3 episode, “Ghostfacers.” Here, Sam and Dean are themselves unwilling stars of a reality TV show called “Ghostfacers,” led by the bumbling paranormal investigators Ed Zeddmore (A.J. Buckley) and Harry Spengler (Travis Wester). Coincidence or not, Barker is the hottest commodity in Hollywood right now.

‘Tell Me Lies’ (2022–2026)

Image via Hulu

In this series, the gaslighting is all natural. The fandom’s obsession with the drama allowed Tell Me Lies to have three massive seasons. Created by Meaghan Oppenheimer, based on the 2018 novel of the same name by Carola Lovering, Tell Me Lies chronicles the tumultuous, deeply toxic, co-dependent relationship between college students Lucy Albright (Grace Van Patten) and Stephen DeMarco (Jackson White). Unfolding over eight long years, their manipulative romance permanently alters not only their own lives but the dynamics of everyone in their circle. Tell Me Lies is a painfully realistic portrayal of toxic relationships, psychological gaslighting, and attachment wounds that captures the unfiltered dynamics of codependency and deceit.

Tell Me Lies is built to frustrate you. It’s all due to the precise writing and excruciatingly authentic performances. Though the show begins as an exploration of morally grey individuals, by the end, no one is innocent, leaning to the dark side without concern. Using a dual timeline mechanic, most of the series is dipped in the addictive nostalgia of the late 2000s. It depicts college before the dating apps. And yet, watching the characters navigate gaslighting and emotional whiplash is intense, and yet somehow, Tell Me Lies is an engrossing guilty-pleasure show. Both Tell Me Lies and Obsession document dark, all-consuming, and toxic relationship dynamics. While Obsession is a short thrill ride, Tell Me Lies is like watching a never-ending train wreck in slow motion. Like Obsession, Tell Me Lies will sweep you up in toxicity and warn you about those red flags in your life.

‘The Affair’ (2014–2019)

Image via Showtime

At first, the premise of an affair sounds intriguing. That is, until it gets out of hand. Such is the case in Showtime’s five-part drama The Affair. The psychological thriller examines the emotional toll of infidelity. The story centers on Noah Solloway (Dominic West), a married novelist, and Alison Bailey (Ruth Wilson), a local waitress, who begin a destructive affair while summering in Montauk, New York. Told through shifting, unreliable perspectives that reveal how drastically people remember events differently, The Affair splits each episode into two parts, showing the same events through the distinct, subjective memories of Noah and Alison. As the affair shatters their original marriages, the narrative expands in later seasons to include the jilted spouses, Helen Butler (Maura Tierney) and Cole Lockhart (Joshua Jackson), as they deal with the fallout.

With an innovative he-said-she-said premise, The Affair is an addictive watch. The approach brilliantly demonstrates how memory bias, personal insecurity, and varying emotional states shape our perception of reality. It truly gives viewers a chance to choose their perspective. With each given scenario, things change from the attire to the tone of the conversation, and even who is in control. There’s truly not been a series quite like it. Like Obsession, The Affair depicts the destructive, all-consuming nature of forbidden romance. The series operates as a slow-burning psychological deep dive into how these choices shatter lives. And spoiler, they’re largely unfixable. The Affair is as juicy as a melodrama should be, with a body count you won’t believe.

‘You’ (2018–2025)

Image via Netflix

Once upon a time, you saw Penn Badgley as a heartthrob. Then Gossip Girl ended the way it did. Then, you heard he was leading a new show called You, and you’ve never looked at the actor the same. Based on the books by Caroline Kepnes, You follows the dangerously charming and intensely obsessive bookstore manager Joe Goldberg (Badgley). The story chronicles his lethal journey as he falls for different women, using stalking and murder to remove any obstacles—including people—that stand in the way of his twisted pursuit of “love”. A twisted take on the classic romantic comedy, told entirely through the antagonist’s eyes, You pulls viewers in through Joe’s inner monologue as he justifies his controlling behavior and violent acts. Through each season, Joe attempts to start fresh as his obsessions take him to new locales, preying on new targets, including Guinevere Beck (Elizabeth Lail) and Love Quinn (Victoria Pedretti).

Although you become a reluctant accomplice to Joe through his terrifying compulsions and crimes, the appeal is watching his twisted acts of love and protection. You operates as an intense commentary on internet privacy and the dangers around the accessibility of our digital footprints and how they become weaponized. It serves as a mirror to modern dating in the digital age, toxic traits, and the dangers of romantic idealization. If there’s ever been a television character who would make the same wish as Bear, no doubt, it’s Joe Goldberg. The poster child of toxic masculinity, Joe is so despicable that you are completely engrossed in You as you patiently wait for Joe to get what’s coming to him. Key word: patiently. Though we know that he’s anything but, Joe is presented as the “nice guy” archetype, quite like Bear. Like Badgley, Johnston is equally dreamy, so there’s no doubt you might give his character some leeway.

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Release Date

2018 – 2025-00-00

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Directors

Marcos Siega, Lee Toland Krieger, Cherie Nowlan, DeMane Davis, Kellie Cyrus, Marta Cunningham, Martha Mitchell, Victoria Mahoney, Erin Feeley

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Sabrina Bryan, best known for playing Dorinda in the Disney franchise “The Cheetah Girls,” is opening up about her surprise return to the network for the upcoming fourth film, titled “Next Gen.” In a new interview, the “Dancing with the Stars” alum revealed how everything came together nearly 20 years after the last film and said she was “beyond excited” about the next chapter in the franchise’s history.

Speaking with AP, Bryan expressed her excitement and gratitude to Disney for continuing to tell the “Cheetah Girls” story almost 20 years after the third film aired in 2008.

“Ugh, my goodness, it’s like a long time waiting; always hoping; always hearing the fans’ request and the idea that, you know, it was a slow burn for the answers to come, and Disney finally [is] giving the fans what they want, and I was beyond excited,” she said.

Bryan, who played Dorinda in the first three films, will reprise her role in a guest appearance, and according to her, getting back into character shouldn’t be an issue.

“I have never stopped wearing cheetah shoes, pants, accessories, all of it. So, it’s not that I’m just putting them back on, but I’m definitely excited to be coming back as Dorinda again,” she added.

Bryan Has Always Been Down To Return For A Fourth Movie

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In a previous interview with PEOPLE, Bryan said she was “absolutely” down to return for a fourth movie, noting that she believed it was important to “get more of the Cheetah message out there.”

Throughout the first three films, the “Cheetah Girls” focuses on several core themes about friendship, ambition, and staying humble. The group’s bond is tested in different ways when producers and outsiders try to change their image and control their music. Over time, the girls learn that they’re only strong when they stand together.

Bryan’s co-star, Raven Symoné, in an interview with Entertainment Tonight, said that a reason she’s so passionate about the “Cheetah Girls” is everything that came with the characters and franchise.

“Another moment in culture that gave girl power, that gave fashion, that gave songs — [I’m] very blessed to be a part of that,” she said. “And can’t wait to see what the future holds with that. It’s gonna be interesting to see what the future holds in regards to the Cheetah Girls.”

Symoné Teased The ‘Cheetah Girls 4’ In 2024

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And speaking of Symoné, the “That’s So Raven” alum teased a possible fourth movie back in 2024, saying that if something were to happen, the new film would follow a new generation of girls and show how important it is to rely on each other.

“I think now it’s starting to change a little bit. I think girls are more like, ‘I got you, girl,’ and to be able to mirror that back in such an iconic, cool, innovative way that screams Cheetah… I mean, I’d be a part of it,” she said.

Adrienne Bailon Is Returning For The Fourth Film, Too

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According to a previous report from The Blast, Adrienne Bailon, who played Chanel in the first three films, is set to reprise her role alongside Symoné in the next movie.

The next film will reportedly follow their characters and a younger group of Cheetah Girls as they travel to Africa to help save a wildlife sanctuary. Of course, throughout the movie, the group will be tested, but by the end, they’ll realize they’re stronger together.

“The Cheetah Girls has always been about friendship, music, and empowering young people to use their voice,” said Ayo Davis, president, Disney Kids & Family. “That spirit connected deeply with a generation of fans, and it still resonates today. Bringing this dynamic new group of young stars to the franchise allows us to continue that legacy for a new era of kids and families.”

This OG ‘Cheetah Girl’ Cast Member Is Not Part Of The Film

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Another report from The Blast notes that original “Cheetah Girls” cast member, Kiely Williams, is the only one not scheduled to appear in the upcoming film. Her sister, Tse Williams, blasted the main characters in an X post, calling them “hateful b-tches” and “2-faced liars.”

“Kiely was the easy person to villainize since the 3LW, so here we are. I believe in karma. They will get [what’s] due; they will have earned it,” Tse added.

While it’s unclear why Williams wasn’t invited to take part in the next film, there have been reports of unresolved conflict between her and Bailon. In the past, Williams said publicly that she took issue with Bailon skipping her dad’s funeral and allegedly failing to reach out to her after his death.

“She didn’t come to my dad’s funeral or call me when he died,” Kiely said. “I’m sorry, I’m not trying to be messy. I’m being for real with you, no. You can say what you want about me and how you felt about me, but you can’t ever say that I didn’t f—— ride for Adrienne. You can’t say that.”

Andrew Garfield has enjoyed a quietly successful run on the big screen over the past few years, from his acclaimed romance We Live in Time with Florence Pugh to his team-up with Luca Guadagnino for After the Hunt, and his fantastical book adaptation The Magic Faraway Tree, which hits U.S. theaters next month. In September, however, he’s about to return to the realm of the historical epic. His last foray into the grand, sweeping genre, Mel Gibson‘s World War II Oscar winner Hacksaw Ridge, earned him his first nomination for a golden statuette back in 2017. This time around, he’s joining forces with another big name in Paul Greengrass to lead a revolution that may rival that of Gibson’s classic war drama, Braveheart.

On September 11, Garfield will take on the role of 14th-century farmer-turned-legendary leader of men, Wat Tyler, in The Uprising. Written and directed by Greengrass, who has a penchant for bringing incredible true stories to life with an air of grandiosity as seen in Captain Phillips and his most recent film, The Lost Bus, the film unfolds during the English Peasants’ Revolt in 1381 as Tyler steps up to guide the people against the tyrannical King Richard II. He pulls together an army of commoners to challenge the might of the crown’s forces as war rages across England. What follows is a battle for “justice and survival” that is one of history’s great, relatively untold stories that very nearly changed the course of the country forever.

With less than two months until release, Focus Features has debuted the first trailer for The Uprising, teasing how Garfield’s humble farmer becomes a great revolutionary when push comes to shove. The Peasants’ Revolt was the result of years of socio-economic hardships faced by the lower-class citizens of England, most notably the crushing taxes imposed amid the Hundred Years’ War. In the footage, those frustrations boil over into an explosive result of massive proportions across the country, thanks in part to Tyler’s leadership. Their might would be so great that even the seemingly impenetrable Tower of London could not hold them back, marking the only time the fortress was breached. Opposite Garfield is no shortage of star power, including Jamie Bell, who’s coming off Richard Gadd‘s acclaimed HBO series Half Man, alongside Stephen Dillane, Tom Hollander, Cosmo Jarvis, Thomasin McKenzie, Jonny Lee Miller, Woody Norman, Katherine Waterston, and Sky Yang.

‘The Uprising’ Was a Long Time Coming From Greengrass

Behind the camera, Greengrass is joined by an intriguing production team that includes none other than Jason Blum, the head of horror giant Blumhouse, as well as Gregory Goodman, Joanna Kaye, Joe Neurauter, and Lars Sylvest. Although Blum mostly operates in the realm of the macabre, The Uprising will be the second straight collaboration between him and the United 93 helmer, as he also helped produce The Lost Bus. Bringing the Peasants’ Revolt to theaters took longer than expected, though. Greengrass originally planned his historical epic back in 2022 under the title The Hood, with Benedict Cumberbatch starring. However, years would go by without any updates until 2025, when the name changed to The Rage and The Lost Bus star Matthew McConaughey was swapped in to lead. It took a pair of name and cast changes, but The Uprising is now ready to revolt at last.

The Uprising storms into theaters on September 11. Check out the trailer in the player above.

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Release Date

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September 11, 2026

Director

Paul Greengrass

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Writers

Paul Greengrass

Producers

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Gregory Goodman, Jason Blum, Joanna Kaye, Lars Sylvest, Paul Greengrass, Joe Neurauter

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Justin Baldoni may have left Hollywood behind, but the legal and emotional fallout from his battle with Blake Lively continues to follow him. 

Determined to move forward after nearly two years of relentless headlines, the actor has quietly relocated his family to Tennessee and is attempting to reclaim a sense of normalcy. 

Yet even as Baldoni embraces a fresh start, insiders say new courtroom disputes and the lingering impact of the public feud continue to shape the next chapter of his life.

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Long before addressing fans in an emotional social media video, Justin Baldoni made one of the biggest personal decisions of the past two years.

The “It Ends With Us” director and his wife, Emily, packed up their lives in Ojai, California, and relocated to Nashville with their two children, choosing distance from Hollywood over remaining at the center of the public spotlight.

According to an insider, the decision was driven largely by concerns for their family’s privacy after their home address was allegedly “doxxed twice” by Blake Lively’s legal team.

Rather than raising their children amid constant media attention, the couple reportedly believed a fresh environment would give them the chance to move on from the controversy.

“It was just [that] they have kids and wanted to make sure they had some privacy and that they got away from the noise,” the source explained to the Daily Mail.

The insider added that neither Baldoni nor Emily expected the legal battle to consume their lives the way it ultimately did.

According to them, “I don’t think anyone wanted to live through what everyone has had to live through of this public spectacle. It did not need to become this at all.”

Baldoni Finally Explained Why He Chose To Speak Out

After months of remaining largely silent, Justin Baldoni recently appeared alongside Emily in an emotional Instagram video discussing the “pain” and “injustice” they said they experienced throughout the legal battle.

Emily admitted that she was initially reluctant to speak publicly but said the experience had become “traumatic” for their family, while Baldoni credited his faith, loved ones and supporters with helping them endure the ordeal. 

The couple also thanked those who stood by them during the controversy, saying many people “spoke up for us when we couldn’t speak for ourselves.” 

Although Baldoni acknowledged they were “still healing,” he said they were choosing gratitude over bitterness and hoped to gradually return to a sense of normalcy after one of the most challenging chapters of their lives.

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Insider Reveals The Motive Behind The Video

According to someone close to the couple, the emotional message wasn’t created to prolong the controversy but to bring a sense of closure after everything they had endured.

The insider said Baldoni wanted “to get things off his chest so he can go back to posting, just being normal in some shape or form.”

Emily’s participation was equally important because, according to the source, the couple experienced every stage of the ordeal together.

“They’re a strong unit and they’ve navigated it together, so it makes sense for them to speak out together,” the insider said.

The source added that Emily also struggled with watching her husband face the allegations while seeing “this woman have her case dismissed and then she’s still going out and saying she’s advocating for victims,” describing the situation as “tough to watch.”

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Justin Baldoni’s Fresh Start Hasn’t Ended His Court Fight

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Even after relocating to Tennessee in hopes of putting the legal battle behind him, Baldoni’s fight with Lively has continued inside the courtroom. 

This week, the actor and Wayfarer Studios asked a federal judge to deny or “substantially reduce” Lively’s request for more than $8 million in attorney fees and litigation costs, arguing the demand is “anything but a typical fee motion.” 

According to court filings obtained by PEOPLE, Baldoni’s attorneys claimed the request included excessive hourly rates, overstaffing and more than 7,000 billable hours logged by 82 timekeepers, an amount they argued was roughly 20 times higher than what courts had found reasonable in comparable defamation cases. 

They also pointed to The New York Times’ successful defense against the same defamation claim, noting the newspaper sought just $181,622.70 in attorney fees. 

Baldoni’s legal team further argued that the actress failed to “meet her burden to present credible evidence showing that the fees and costs she seeks to recover are reasonable,” urging the court to either reject the request outright or significantly reduce it.  

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Blake Lively First Defended Her $8 Million Legal Fee Request

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Before Justin Baldoni’s legal team asked the court to reject Lively’s multimillion-dollar fee request, the “Gossip Girl” actress’s attorneys argued the motion was never simply about recovering litigation costs. 

In a 15-page memorandum of law, Lively’s lawyers maintained that there should be “consequences” for “retaliation,” describing the request as part of a broader effort to discourage similar lawsuits in the future. 

They argued that the court’s dismissal of Baldoni’s claims established “an important precedent for victims’ rights” and added, “There are consequences for weaponizing retaliation lawsuits against those who speak up.” 

Lively’s legal team also defended the size of the request, saying the litigation required extensive discovery, motion practice and document review because of its extraordinary scope and public profile.

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There are great movies, there are unforgettable movies, and then there are films that redefine what blockbuster filmmaking can be. Christopher Nolan’s The Odyssey firmly belongs in the latter category. With breathtaking visuals, career-defining performances, and an emotional core that never loses sight of Homer’s timeless story, The Odyssey isn’t simply one of the year’s best films. It stands among the finest achievements of Nolan’s extraordinary career.

Rather than treating Homer’s epic as nothing more than an excuse for massive action sequences and mythical creatures, Nolan crafts a deeply human story about perseverance, family, identity, and the emotional cost of war. Every impossible obstacle Odysseus faces feels meaningful because the journey has always been about one thing: finding his way home.

The Odyssey [credit: Universal Pictures]

Matt Damon delivers one of the most restrained performances of his career. His Odysseus isn’t portrayed as an invincible action hero, but as a weathered man carrying years of physical and emotional scars. The performance perfectly complements Nolan’s vision, showing a legendary warrior whose greatest battle is simply surviving long enough to return to the people he loves.

Anne Hathaway shines as Penelope, bringing remarkable strength and quiet resilience to every scene. Tom Holland delivers one of his strongest dramatic performances as Telemachus, whose own journey becomes just as compelling as his father’s. Robert Pattinson nearly steals every scene he’s in with an unforgettable performance that provides just enough unpredictability to keep audiences on edge.

Visually, The Odyssey is simply astonishing.

Shot entirely for IMAX, Nolan and cinematographer Hoyte van Hoytema create images that demand to be experienced on the biggest screen possible. From towering cliffs and endless oceans to mythical encounters that feel both terrifying and beautiful, every frame reminds viewers why practical filmmaking still matters. There is a tangible scale and realism here that computer-generated spectacle rarely achieves.

Ludwig Göransson’s score deserves equal praise. The music elevates every triumph, every loss, and every quiet moment of reflection, becoming the emotional heartbeat of the entire film.

Perhaps Nolan’s greatest accomplishment is balancing spectacle with intimacy. While audiences will undoubtedly remember the Cyclops, the Sirens, and the film’s massive action sequences, it’s the quieter moments between family members that leave the deepest impression. The relationship between Odysseus, Penelope, and Telemachus gives the film genuine emotional weight that continues long after the credits roll.

The Odyssey [credit: Universal Pictures]

The film’s nearly three-hour runtime never feels excessive. Every chapter serves a purpose, allowing the audience to fully experience the trials that shaped one of literature’s greatest heroes. Nolan’s signature nonlinear storytelling is present but never distracting, adding depth without sacrificing clarity.

If there’s any criticism to be made, it’s only that some supporting characters deserved more time to breathe. With a cast this talented, a few memorable performances inevitably disappear sooner than audiences might hope. Yet even this feels less like a flaw and more like the unavoidable reality of adapting one of history’s greatest epics into a single film.

Critics have been nearly unanimous in their praise. The New York Times named it a Critic’s Pick, calling it “a classic in every sense” and “a transporting affirmation of the art and a work of pure cinema.” The Associated Press similarly praised the film’s emotional depth and breathtaking spectacle, while early reactions have hailed it as one of Nolan’s most ambitious accomplishments.

Christopher Nolan has spent decades pushing the boundaries of blockbuster filmmaking with films like Memento, The Dark Knight, Inception, Interstellar, Dunkirk, and Oppenheimer. Somehow, The Odyssey feels like the culmination of everything he has learned along the way. It is visually magnificent, emotionally resonant, intellectually engaging, and endlessly cinematic.

This is exactly why people go to the movies.

Final Verdict

The Odyssey is an extraordinary achievement that honors one of history’s greatest stories while firmly establishing itself as one of the defining films of modern cinema. It is epic in scale, intimate in emotion, and unforgettable from beginning to end. Christopher Nolan has once again reminded audiences why he remains one of the greatest filmmakers of his generation.

More details are emerging about the musical performances at Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce’s Madison Square Garden wedding.

Former NFL punter Pat McAfee revealed on his eponymous ESPN talk show on Monday, July 13, that Avril Lavigne was among the stars who took the stage, joining the likes of Paul McCartney and Stevie Nicks.

According to McAfee, Lavigne, 41, serenaded the happy couple — and their A-list guests — with her 2002 hit song “Sk8r Boi.”

“I guess me saying Avril Lavigne played ‘Skr8 Boi’ was the first time that it came out,” he said. “But she was awesome.”

He added, “To be clear, those musicians … really cool. Like, one would just call out the other and then they would come up and they would just do their s***.”

McAfee, 39, said that he wasn’t familiar with all of the songs performed at the July 3 nuptials, including one by Swift’s pal Ice Spice, but the rapper “had a lot of energy up there.”

The ESPN analyst shared further details about his experience at the wedding on Monday’s episode of his talk show.

“That was the most spectacular evening I have ever been a part of. I cannot wait to chit-chat about that throughout the day,” McAfee said. “I’m sure there was something that I agreed to not talk about, but from the things that I’ve been reading about, other people [are] talking about it, like, kinda sorta ’cause there were no phones in there. There is no notes section, no writing or anything, so it’s literally all just memory.”

McAfee also defended Swift and Kelce, both 36, from criticism over their lavish wedding in the middle of New York City.

“Anybody that’s saying anything negative about that place … now granted, shutting down a pulsing city and that whole thing, you guys can have your thoughts on that,” he said. “The event itself was, like, the most spectacular grand thing I’ve ever seen in my entire life.”

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“I don’t want to give away too much, but it was the greatest night of all time,” the former football player added. “My wife and I had a blast. They absolutely showcased that they are in love; it was very obvious.”

Other A-list guests included Brad Pitt, Bradley Cooper, Gigi Hadid, Selena Gomez, Jessica Alba and more.

“Travis had a huge smile. Taylor looked like she was having the absolute best time,” a source told Us of the wedding reception earlier this month. “She was smiling and dancing nonstop. The energy was unreal from start to finish.”